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Kells, Co. Meath

Kells was once one of the great centres of Celtic Christianity, its was here that the famous Book of Kells may have been written and illustrated. The exact history of the book is shrouded in the mists of time and historians can only loosely piece together the book's history based on scraps of evidence and vague clues. It is believed that in 563 AD, St. Colmcille (St Columba) founded a monastery on the Hebridean island on Iona. When it was plundered in 802 by Viking raiders some of the monks fled to Kells, bringing with them their precious treasure, The Book of Kells.

The book depicts the four Gospels, richly illustrated in Celtic imagery on vellum (calf skin) parchment. The book was probably completed in the monastery at Kells, and is now kept in Trinity College. Reproductions of the book can be seen in the Kells town hall and in the Protestant church.

AS for the monastery itself, little remains, the churches which once stood there have long since crumbled however a house and Round Tower can still be seen aswell as three ornate 9th century High Crosses. One of the crosses is interesting grooved near the base where it is said that English soldiers sharpened their swords.

Things to See and Do in Kells

Kells, Co Meath
A fantastic, modern Parkland course which cross-crosses the River Blackwater, making use of two islands. Designed by Ryder Cup hero Christy O'Connor Jnr., the course makes maximum use of its trees, water and natural features, the result of which is

Kells, Co Meath
A magnificent Parkland course established in 1928, blessed with gentle undulations and mature specimen trees. A fair but challenging test of your golfing skills. You will return to the friendly Clubhouse inspired by your golf and entranced by the be

Kells, Co Meath, Ireland
The town of Kells (Ceanannas) is situated 60km north west (N3) of Dublin in the historic Boyne Valley. The circular monastic enclosure protected Saint Columba's Church, the Round Tower and four of the town's five crosses. Nearby, Saint Colmcille's...

Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland
As one of the religious centres of Western Europe in the 8th & 10th century, this holy site not only housed the Book of Kells for centuries but also produced one of Ireland's most important collection of High Crosses, some of them still standing in the sh

Restaurants in Kells

Bective Square, Kells, Co. Meath
The Bective is a relaxed, atmospheric restaurant in the heritage town of Kells. Open Wed - Sat from 5pm and from 3pm on Sundays, The Bective specialises in Irish beef and fish with over 90% of food sourced within Co Meath.

Kells Road, Navan, Kells, Co. Meath
The Martry Restaurant & Bar is situated just outside The Heritage town of Kells. Marie Kenny & her staff take great pride in offering patrons a relaxed and delicious dining experience with a taste of Irish hospitality that the Martry has beco

Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells, Co. Meath
The Vanilla Pod although under the umbrella of the Headfort Arms is a self contained contemporary restaurant which has earned itself regional national acclaim in its ten years of operation. The 'Pod' as it is affectionately known amongst it's loyal f